Andrews’ drops the ball on COVID management over New Year

Victorians across the state have been left confused and fending for themselves as the Andrews Labor Government goes missing in action on testing and vaccinations over the busy New Year period.

Despite announcing the purchase of 34 million rapid antigen tests (RAT), the Andrews Government has provided no clarity as to when they will be available, who will be eligible to receive them and how they will be delivered.

This confusion is having flow on effects to current retailers and pharmacies as too many Victorians in need of a rapid test struggle to get one.

Furthermore, the closure of key state vaccination hubs has caused a dramatic fall in the daily number of vaccinations being delivered to Victorians.

Current state run vaccination clinics are delivering only around one eighth or their previous daily totals as demand for pharmacy vaccinations increases substantially.

Instead of closing vaccination centres and causing chaos with RAT supplies, Daniel Andrews should be implementing a common sense approach and positive ideas like the Liberal Nationals’ call for additional mobile vaccination and testing hubs at key holiday hotspots over the summer period.

These flexible mobile hubs could go to where demand is greatest and help provide much needed testing relief and deliver booster shots so Victorians can safely enjoy the summer they deserve.

“The Andrews Government must provide clarity on who, when and how Victorians can get a rapid antigen test so we can continue to recover and rebuild.

“After two years it simply should not be this hard to get a test or a vaccination. Daniel Andrews’ failures continue to risk Victorians health and hold local communities back.

“The Liberal Nationals’ plan for mobile testing and vaccination hubs will help deliver the boosters and tests Victorians need, when they need it this summer.”

Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier